Training at the first class learning environment of Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, Coast Guard members who achieve the rating of Marine Science Technician are well prepared to handle environmental, safety, and hazardous conditions at sea.

Marine Science Technicians conduct marine-safety activities such as investigating pollution incidents, monitoring pollution cleanups, conducting foreign-vessel boarding to enforce pollution and navigation safety laws, conducting harbor patrols for port safety and security, inspecting waterfront facilities and supervising the loading of explosives on vessels. They may be assigned to the National Strike Force for oil and hazardous-material response. Marine Science Technicians are also the Coast Guard’s safety and environmental health experts ashore.

At sea, Marine Science Technicians are assigned to the Coast Guard icebreaking fleet, and receive advanced training in weather and oceanography to provide support to scientists conducting research from Coast Guard icebreakers. A few Marine Science Technicians can be found ashore conducting weather and oceanography-related duties, such as providing weather forecaster support for Air Station Kodiak, or acting as ice observers and forecasters for the International Ice Patrol.

Minted from solid nickel alloy, finished with an antique patina, and imbued with bold colored enamel, this medallion is dedicated to the former and current Coast Guard and Civilian personnel who have proudly achieved the rating of Marine Science Technician. The obverse features the logo of Marine Science Technician “A” School. The reverse displays the logo of the US Coast Guard – Training Center Yorktown.